1. Rays of visible (white) light – The white light of the sun is made up of light of seven different colors, as seen in the rainbow. Each color has its specific effects on the body.2. Infra-red rays – These rays impart heat. The warmth of these rays is most welcome in the winter. Moreover, these rays relax and soothe muscles, reduce swelling and relieve pain.3. Ultra-violet rays – These rays are of special importance. Vitamin D is produced in the body by the action of ultra-violet rays falling on the skin. Sunlight is in fact the best source of Vitamin D. A deficiency of Vitamin D causes a disease of the bones known as ‘rickets’.

Not only the skin, but the entire body derives benefits from sunlight. Exposure to sunlight improves health and enhances the resistive powers of the body.

Other benefits of sun bath

1. Sunlight helps nourish the muscles. If the skin is deprived of sunlight by keeping it covered, the muscles tend to weaken and degenerate.2. Sunlight promotes the proper formation of teeth, speedy growth of hair, and quick and deep breathing. 3. Blood pressure is brought down, and the kidneys become more efficient. 4. By the action of sun light, skin diseases are cured, blisters are burst and wounds are healed more speedily. 5. Sunlight maintains and even increases the amount of alkali in the blood. 6. If a pregnant lady takes sun baths regularly, she gets relief from the usual discomforts of pregnancy such as fatigue, backache, nausea, over stimulation and lactation in the post-parturition period is also improved.

How to take sun bath?

You should begin by exposing the body to the sunlight for 5 to 10 minutes, the anterior parts of the body for half this period and the posterior parts for the other half. Later on, the period of exposure can be gradually increased, as convenient, to about an hour. After sunbath, a cold-water bath should be taken, or the body wiped with a piece of cloth wrung out in cold water.

The mild sun of the morning or the evening has no harmful effect on the body. It is always beneficial. But it is advisable to avoid exposing the body to the intense sunlight of the midday.

The discomfort experienced during a sun bath, or a burning sensation in the skin, is an indication of excessive exposure to sunlight.

Disclaimer: This article is not meant to provide health advice and is for general information only. Always seek the insights of a qualified health professional before embarking on any health program.